What is IT asset management (ITAM)?
IT Asset Management (ITAM) is the process of tracking, managing, and optimizing all IT assets an organization owns — including hardware (laptops, servers, phones), software licenses, SaaS subscriptions, and peripherals. Good ITAM prevents overspending on unused licenses, reduces the risk of software compliance audits, helps IT teams support employees faster, and gives finance accurate data for budgeting. Tools like Hector replace spreadsheets and manual processes with a centralized, automated system.
How is Hector different from ServiceNow or Freshservice ITAM?
ServiceNow and Freshservice are full ITSM (IT Service Management) platforms where ITAM is one module among many. They are powerful but complex, expensive, and often require significant professional services to configure. Hector is purpose-built for ITAM — it's simpler to deploy, faster to adopt, and significantly more affordable for companies that need asset management without a full ITSM platform. Most Hector customers are up and running in days, not months.
Can Hector help with software license compliance?
Yes — this is one of Hector's core use cases. Hector tracks every software license you own, the number of seats purchased, actual usage, and renewal dates. When a vendor audit request arrives, you can generate a complete license inventory report in minutes rather than scrambling through spreadsheets. Hector also alerts you when you're at risk of over-deployment (using more seats than purchased) so you can buy additional licenses proactively rather than face true-up penalties.
Does Hector integrate with our MDM tool (Jamf/Intune)?
Yes. Hector integrates with Jamf (for Mac/iOS) and Microsoft Intune (for Windows/Android/iOS) to pull device inventory automatically. This means hardware assets managed by your MDM tool are automatically reflected in Hector — no manual data entry for the initial device inventory. Hector then adds the ITAM layer on top: asset assignment, loan management, software licenses, and procurement history that MDM tools don't track.
How does Hector handle equipment loans and reservations?
Hector includes a built-in loan management system for shared equipment. Employees request items (cameras, projectors, test devices, vehicles), requests go through an approval workflow, and once approved the loan is tracked — including who has the item, checkout date, expected return date, and condition. Automated reminders are sent for overdue items. A reservation calendar prevents double-booking. Ideal for IT labs, AV equipment, vehicle fleets, and any shared physical assets.